Nickel Campaign Raises $215,000

First quarter campaign finance report shows massive support and building momentum for Progressive Democratic candidate for state Senate

CARY, N.C. – Democratic state Senate candidate Wiley Nickel announced today that he has raised more than $215,000.00, and holds more than $133,000.00 in cash on hand, through April 21, 2018. Candidate Nickel is running for the North Carolina state Senate in the May 8th Democratic primary in the newly redrawn 16th District, encompassing Cary, Morrisville and Northwest Raleigh. The 16th District is without an incumbent state Senator, following court-ordered redistricting that moved state Senator Jay Chaudhuri to the 15th District.

Nickel is contesting the open seat against Luis Toledo in the May 8th Democratic primary. Toledo submitted a campaign finance report that shows $25,736 raised, with $2,969 cash on hand, through April 21, 2018. Toledo’s $25,736 includes a $5,000 in-kind contribution for videography services and $2,500 in PAC checks. The report also shows the refund of a $1,000 corporate contribution.

The Democratic nominee will challenge Republican nominee Paul Smith and Libertarian nominee Brian Irving in the General Election on November 6, 2018. The new 16th District voted for Kay Hagan with 55% of the vote in the 2014 midterm election.

The fundraising announcement follows Nickel’s five-month, grassroots-oriented field campaign. Nickel views his successful field operation and latest campaign finance report as further evidence of his widespread support and proof that his message and past experience is resonating with voters in the new 16th District.

Nickel stated, “I’m running because it’s time to bring progressive leadership to the General Assembly. It’s time to invest in our public schools, enact independent redistricting, expand access to affordable healthcare, implement common sense gun safety reform and protect our natural environment.” Nickel continued, “Our message builds on my experience working in pursuit of progressive solutions for the White House, under President Barack Obama and Vice President Al Gore. I’m proud to see that we’re receiving such widespread support from voters across our district.”

Nickel has also received endorsements from a diverse slate of leading advocacy organizations, elected officials and prominent activists, including: Equality NC, The Sierra Club, Teamsters Local 391, Raleigh Professional Fire Fighters Association, the North Carolina Advocates for Justice Political Action Committee, the Network for Public Education Action, 2016 Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate and former State Legislator Deborah Ross, State Senator Jeff Jackson, Raleigh City Council Member Stef Mendell, Morrisville Town Council Member Steve Rao, Morrisville Town Council Member Jerry Windle, Durham City Council Member Vernetta Alston, former Congressman and former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Bob Etheridge, former State Senator Cal Cunningham, former Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby, National LGBTQ activist Candis Cox and former Executive Director of the National Education Association John I. Wilson, among many others.

###

Wiley Nickel is running in the May 8th Democratic primary election to represent the 16th District of the North Carolina state Senate. To learn more, please visit: